Shastri makes history, bags Rs 7-crore-deal as coach

New Delhi : Ravi Shastri, the new coach of Indian cricket team, has become the highest paid coach in the history of cricket.

He will be starting his tenure after the Bangladesh series.

Shastri, who is going to be paid Rs. 7 crore for a year, will be taking over former all-rounder, Duncan Fletcher, a news report said. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the decision after captain Virat Kohli told the board that he wanted Ravi Shastri to be the team’s coach.

Shastri earlier had a Rs 4-crore deal with BCCI as a television commentator. According to a national daily, BCCI secretary, Anurag Thakur and Shastri have been dropping hints that the former skipper will continue with the national team even after the Bangladesh tour.

The board has said that they were planning to merge the roles of team director and coach. Although BCCI was not willing to make the announcement, Shastri made it clear that there was no need for a separate coach as he could double up as one. Shastri evidently enjoys the confidence of the team.

The Mumbai veteran has played 80 Test matches and 150 One Day International(s) for India. He is one of the most respected and senior members of the team.